Hill Robinson Celebrates 10 Years on Isle of Man

Posted: 12th Aug 2016 | Written By: Mariska Biesheuvel

This year, Hill Robinson is celebrating 10 years in the Isle of Man. Since the brand was first established on the Island in 2007, its market presence has grown to include Corporate Services, Project Management and more, and in 2012 Hill Robinson Limited became licensed by the IOM Financial Services Authority.

With a Corporate Services team of over 15 people, including director Marion Griffiths, Hill Robinson Limited is able to provide a full range of international Corporate and VAT services to owners, with strategic support for the growing managed fleet.

Special Projects Team Expand Technical Services Offering

The rapid growth of the new build, refit and special projects department has been led by Karl H. Hartmann, Director of Special Projects. Last year, Karl and his team were also joined by General Manager Brian Monk, a highly respected manager and Chartered Accountant with 35 years’ experience, including a large firm of consulting engineers in Scotland.

Brian commented, “We have a really talented highly focused team of skilled Project Managers, they wake up in the morning with the drive to get on with the demanding job of delivering very complex engineering projects all over Europe and beyond. This focus needs the impeccable support of a highly efficient and effective back-office team looking after the contractual arrangements, procurement, specialist suppliers and most of all the financial management.

Clients require value for money, return on investment, control and transparency in all aspects of our project management services The Isle of Man operation has multiple contracts in place which are handled by a team of eleven staff specialising in technical, naval and engineering disciplines. In addition to technical refit and project services the Isle of Man office also offers yacht and aviation, charter and sales services, to several key clients.”

Marion added, "We have experienced significant growth in Hill Robinson Limited’s international client base. The ‘one-stop-shop’ advantage of providing corporate services in-house seems to be increasingly popular with owners, as it delivers the simplicity and control of having just one service provider responsible for managing their asset. We look forward to continued growth and expansion in the future."

Commenting on some of the special projects since joining Hill Robinsonin 2006, Karl says,“I suppose our second Abeking & Rasmussen 78m new build project, won against stiff competition from our competitors, has a special relevance for Hill Robinson and myself.

We took over the project at the beginning of the build process to add a boost to and take control of the programme and deliver a yacht to the owner that truly met his concept of how the yacht should be. In common with other projects that we have completed, it was a showcase operation for Hill Robinson and the whole project management team, demonstrating how a well-seasoned and professional approach can deliver an outstanding yacht to a delighted owner and his family."

Hartmann continues, "We have managed many new build and refit projects over the last 15 years, including another 78m Abeking & Rasmussen (2009), a 72m Lürssen (2009), a 60m Abeking & Rasmussen (1997), 4x 59m Benetti (2007-2009), a 58m Amels (2006) and many other larger and smaller projects. Notably, for one Lürssen built 74m, we have managed three large refits including total system upgrades to the latest standards, replacement of AV/IT equipment, modification to the interior layout, a six metre extension, the addition of an extended helicopter deck and a full paint job.

This is one of several yachts where we have honed our knowledge of helicopter issues regarding helidecks and operations. I see yacht-related aviation in all forms as being a very important growth area for Hill Robinson in the future.''

Brian Monk, General Manager and Karl Hartmann, Director of Special Projects.

So what sets the project management, refit and new-build division of Hill Robinson apart?

According to Karl, “The most important thing that benefits clients and owners, is that my team and I are totally focussed on timely delivery, excellent quality and value for money whilst meeting the client’s expectations. The special projects team looks after the interests of the owner in areas such as confidentiality, efficiency, cost effectiveness and value for money.

This requires us to produce programmes in the shortest timescales, time being a major priority for owners. I am proud to have been part of the Hill Robinson family for over nine years. With our resources, market knowledge and depth of experience we are able to respond quickly, so when an owner says 'go' we can get straight on the job.

We operate a truly transparent process where all decisions and costs can be seen by our clients at all times. This builds absolute trust and confidence with the owners and generates repeat business, illustrated for example by our third refit for the Lürssen 74m. Due to our buying power and well developed industry network, we are able to negotiate proper discounts from suppliers and yards which we pass along to our clients as added benefit.''

The project management, new build and refit team is on the ascendancy with a vibrant and enthusiastic group of superyacht specialists getting on with their job and looking for the next challenge. The scope of services provided is wide and diverse and designed to meet client's expectations and requirements.

Note: The Isle of Man is a self-governing Crown Dependency of the UK sitting outside the European Union but, by virtue of Protocol No.3 to the Act of Accession which formed part of the United Kingdom's Treaty of Accession 1972, is part of the customs territory of the EU. The IOM has a long history as a financial hub and is the ideal location for key parts of the Hill Robinson operation. Although a small island in the Irish Sea, measuring just 32 by 14 miles, there are excellent air links with several daily flights to London City and Gatwick airports for onward European commutes.